Cool and Refreshing Mint Watermelon Kefir Slushie – Perfect Summer Beverage
Where I come from, summer days meant scorching heat — but that didn’t stop my relatives from arranging gatherings in one of our family members’ backyards. Of course, that didn’t stop me from finding constant ways to beat the heat as well, from bringing my own portable fan or eating ice chips under the sun. As the years went by and I grew to become the foodie that I am, finding ways to counter the summer heat started to include creating new refreshments that wouldn’t just keep us cool, but also tantalize our taste buds.
Watermelon was a big thing in our area and that was to my advantage — an abundant tropical fruit that can be easily blended and satisfy you in the summer. With a dash of creativity and a couple of exotic ingredients, I turned this humble fruit into my own cool Mint Watermelon Kefir Slushie.
Unlike watermelons, Kefir was a little rare where I was from, fortunately, it wasn’t that hard to do. With some patience and research, I found a way to make my own kefir juice and incorporate it into my cooking, especially for drinks. It may take you 18 hours to fully develop your kefir, but hey, it’s not like you’ll have to keep an eye on it the whole time, right?
Slushing it all together
Once the watermelon kefir juice was ready, I moved on to the slushie itself. I froze diced watermelon cubes until solid and then blended them with the prepared kefir juice, a splash of lime juice, and a hint of sea salt for balance. The result was a frosty concoction that danced on the palate with the sweet essence of watermelon, the invigorating zest of lime, and the subtle tang of kefir.
Garnished with a sprig of fresh mint, each glass of slushie was a work of art, inviting guests to indulge in its frosty embrace. As we sipped on our cool Mint Watermelon Kefir Slushie laughter and conversation flowed, and the heat of the day melted away, replaced by a sense of cool contentment.
Since that memorable afternoon, this recipe has become a staple at my summer gatherings, always eliciting smiles of delight from friends and family alike. Whether enjoyed as a midday refresher or a festive party drink, this Mint Watermelon Kefir Slushie never fails to brighten spirits and lift moods, making it the perfect beverage for any summer occasion.
So, let’s make some more!
Chef’s Notes – Refreshing Mint Watermelon Kefir Slushie
- When fermenting the Watermelon Kefir Juice, place it in a glass jar with a lid to allow for proper fermentation while preventing contamination.
- Freezing the watermelon cubes on a lined baking sheet helps prevent them from sticking together, ensuring easy blending later on.
- If you prefer a sweeter slushie, consider adding a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup to the blend. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- Experiment with additional flavor variations such as coconut water or ginger juice to tailor the slushie to your taste preferences.
- This slushie is an excellent accompaniment to grilled dishes at summer BBQs, providing a refreshing and flavorful contrast to savory grilled meats and vegetables.
Refreshing Watermelon Mint Kefir Slushie
Quench your thirst with this Cool Watermelon Mint Kefir Slushie, a perfect summer beverage that’s both refreshing and healthy. With the sweetness of watermelon, the zing of lime, and the probiotic benefits of kefir, this slushie is a delightful treat for any time of the day.
4
servings20
minutes4
minutes120
kcal18
minutes22
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Watermelon Kefir Juice
16 oz diced watermelon cubes
10 fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup water kefir
- Watermelon Slushie
24 oz frozen diced watermelon cubes
3/4 cup watermelon kefir juice
1 lime Juice of 1 lime
1/8 tsp sea salt (optional)
2 sprigs fresh mint for garnishing
- Alternative Ingredients:
Honey or agave syrup can be used as a natural sweetener instead of stevia extract powder.
Directions
- Watermelon Kefir Juice: Start by blending the 16 oz of watermelon cubes with fresh mint leaves until you get a smooth mixture.Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl to extract the juice, discarding the pulp.Transfer the watermelon juice into a glass jar and mix in the water kefir. Cover with a lid and let it ferment at room temperature for at least 18 hours.
- Watermelon Slushie: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the 24 oz of frozen watermelon cubes on it. Freeze for about 4 hours until solid.
- In a blender, combine the frozen watermelon cubes, watermelon kefir juice, lime juice, and sea salt (if using). Blend until smooth.
- Pour the slushie into glasses, garnish with fresh mint sprigs, and serve immediately. For added sweetness, consider stirring in a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup.
Equipment
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Blender
- Fine Mesh Strainer
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 120kcal
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Potassium: 330mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 23g
- Vitamin A: 35IU
- Vitamin C: 45mg
- Calcium: 3mg
- Iron: 4mg
FAQs on Mint Watermelon Kefir Slushie
Can I add other fruits to the slushie?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like berries, pineapple, or mango to create different flavor variations of this Mint Watermelon Kefir Slushie. Just adjust the quantities accordingly based on your taste preferences.
Can I sweeten the slushie with something other than stevia extract powder?
Yes, you can use honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, or your preferred natural sweetener to sweeten the slushie. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
Can I make this Mint Watermelon Kefir Slushie ahead of time and store it in the freezer?
Yes, you can prepare the watermelon slushie ahead of time and store it in the freezer. However, the texture may become more icy and less slushy over time. Allow it to thaw slightly before serving if it becomes too firm.
Can I use regular kefir instead of water kefir?
Yes, you can use regular kefir if you prefer. However, water kefir is typically used in vegan recipes as it’s dairy-free and provides similar probiotic benefits.
